If you’re looking for an ice rink near Atlanta—whether for public skating, youth hockey, figure skating, or just a fun weekend outing—the Atlanta Ice Forum is one of the best-known options serving the metro area.
While it’s technically located in Duluth, Georgia, the rink is a regular destination for people from Atlanta, Gwinnett County, and beyond. Here’s how it fits into Atlanta life and what you should know before you go.
The Atlanta Ice Forum is an indoor ice rink complex in Duluth, a northeast suburb that’s closely tied into the Atlanta metro area.
Location (primary facility commonly referred to as Atlanta Ice Forum):
Many Atlanta residents use this rink for:
Even if you live in the city, this rink is often easier to access than trying to track down temporary or seasonal rinks that appear only during the holidays.
Exact offerings and schedules change over time, but most visitors from Atlanta will find some or all of the following:
Most days, the Forum offers public skating sessions, where anyone can pay an admission fee, rent skates, and get on the ice—no membership needed.
Common features:
If you’re coming from Atlanta, it’s smart to check the day’s schedule in advance; public session times sometimes change around hockey games, lessons, or tournaments.
Tip:
The Atlanta Ice Forum is a major hub for ice hockey in the north metro.
You’ll typically find:
If you live in Atlanta and want to get into hockey, this rink is one of the most accessible options, especially if you’re in Buckhead, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Doraville, or anywhere along I-85.
For residents interested in figure skating or just learning basic skating skills, the Forum usually supports:
Families from Atlanta often make the drive to this rink when they want more structured skating instruction than they can get from short-term or seasonal rinks.
Atlanta Ice Forum is also commonly used for events such as:
If you’re planning an event from Atlanta, consider:
If you’re coming from within the city or visiting Atlanta and staying in-town, this section covers logistics that matter most.
Common driving routes:
Approximate drive times in normal conditions:
| Starting Area | Typical Drive Time (One Way) |
|---|---|
| Downtown Atlanta | 25–35 minutes |
| Midtown | 25–35 minutes |
| Buckhead | 20–30 minutes |
| Decatur | 30–40 minutes |
| Smyrna / Vinings | 35–50 minutes |
| Hartsfield–Jackson Airport | 40–60 minutes |
Times can increase significantly during rush hour or game days, so plan a buffer if you’re heading to a scheduled class or league game.
At the Duluth facility:
For families driving in from Atlanta with kids:
Pricing can change, but you can generally expect:
To make your trip smoother from Atlanta, bring:
During winter, Atlanta sometimes has temporary or outdoor rinks set up at locations like town centers, parks, or mixed-use developments. These can be fun, but they’re usually:
The Atlanta Ice Forum, by contrast, is:
If you want a reliable, predictable rink near Atlanta any time of year, the Forum is one of the main places locals turn to.
People in and around Atlanta use this rink in several common ways:
If you live closer to the west or south side of the metro, the drive will be longer, but many still make the trip if they’re serious about hockey or competitive skating, since options can be more limited in those parts of the metro.
Here are a few Atlanta-specific pointers if you’ve never been:
🚗 Avoid the worst traffic windows.
From Atlanta to Duluth, late afternoon on weekdays (roughly 4–7 p.m.) along I-85 can be heavily congested. If you can, schedule around that.
📅 Check schedules before you drive.
Public skating, stick-and-puck, and lessons may shift around tournaments or special events.
💳 Bring a payment method that works if systems are down.
Many rinks primarily use electronic payments, but having a backup (like a card with a chip or some cash) can be helpful.
🧊 Dress in layers.
You’re in metro Atlanta, but the inside of the rink is cold year-round. A light jacket is often enough, but small children may want thicker layers.
If you’re exploring multiple rinks, the metro region includes several ice facilities in different suburbs. Many Atlanta families compare options based on:
However, the Atlanta Ice Forum in Duluth remains one of the best-known and most frequently used options, especially for people living or staying on the northeast side of Atlanta along the I-85 corridor.
In summary, if you’re in or around Atlanta and you search for “Atlanta Ice Forum,” you’re usually looking for this Duluth-based ice rink complex that serves much of the metro with public skating, hockey, figure skating, and events. It’s a practical, year-round choice for Atlantans who want consistent ice time within a reasonable drive of the city.
